Those Awkward Conversations

Talking to teens in the digital age

Young people are exposed to an unprecedented range of media content, through an ever-growing number of channels and websites. Furthermore, the proportion of that content which is sexual or pornographic has increased considerably in recent years. It is easier than ever for young people to seek out or even stumble upon pornographic material online and the information on its effect on healthy ideas of sex, relationships and body image is not widely available or widely taught.

The average age a young person is exposed to pornography is now 11 years old, which means it is more important than ever to educate and have difficult conversations with young people about the material they access on the internet and its effects.

As a parent or staff working with young people it can be difficult to know what to do and where to begin when it comes to protecting young people from the potential dangers of the internet and broaching the subject of pornography and its harmful effects. This talk aims to provide information, tools and advice of how to tackle this extremely topic with young people.

In this talk, Isla will cover information about the harmful effects of pornography as well as practical tools for smart phone and internet safety for young people, including advice about apps and social media. The talk will also suggest ways to tackle the topic with young people in conversation as well as highlight resources parents and staffs can use and can point young people towards. There will also be space for questions and open discussion on the topic.